either_o impose_v frame_v or_o direct_v yet_o the_o ground_n and_o matter_n thereof_o be_v plain_o there_o and_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v there_o well_o nigh_o by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o at_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n plead_v the_o necessity_n so_o most_o of_o the_o moderate_a presbyterian_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o the_o usefulness_n yea_o and_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n of_o catechism_n confirmation_n and_o of_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o of_o reprehend_v offender_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o mart._n bucer_n enumerate_v they_o and_o conclude_v 13._o vid._n m._n â—_o lib._n 1._o de_fw-la reg_fw-la christ_n c._n 13._o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o three_o thereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o order_v and_o manage_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o to_o the_o time_n manner_n 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full_o convince_v that_o very_o high_a and_o almost_o indispensable_a convenience_n exact_v a_o settlement_n and_o prudent_a regulation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o which_o methinks_v uniformity_n with_o decency_n shall_v offend_v no_o body_n case_n vi_o whether_o may_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o church_n impose_v upon_o the_o church_n thing_n indifferent_a quatenus_fw-la indifferent_a or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v such_o resol_n i_o humble_o conceive_v they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n no_o such_o arbitrary_a &_o strange_o unlimited_a power_n which_o if_o exercise_v with_o any_o extent_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o edify_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n for_o 1._o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o impose_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v indifferent_a or_o because_o they_o be_v indifferent_a we_o grant_v they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o consequent_o what_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o 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have_v render_v the_o christian_a liberty_n worse_o complain_v as_o aug._n complain_v than_o the_o jewish_a or_o popish_a bondage_n this_o power_n as_o god_n do_v never_o intrust_v they_o with_o it_o so_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o that_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v unto_o it_o or_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o every_o one_o in_o authority_n still_o grant_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v reason_n for_o their_o imposition_n act_v therein_o as_o man_n as_o well_o as_o governor_n and_o though_o many_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o give_v flatter_v title_n to_o man_n in_o authority_n i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o write_v high_a for_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o allow_v such_o a_o power_n to_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o please_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o fitness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o as_o thomas_n rogers_n 4._o against_o seffray_n obi._n 4._o that_o notable_a adversary_n to_o nonconformity_n in_o this_o case_n say_v authority_n in_o make_v law_n must_v always_o respect_v the_o common_a good_n and_o though_o church-governor_n say_v francis_n mason_n 9_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n p._n 8_o 9_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o the_o former_a may_v make_v church-law_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o establish_v what_o they_o listen_v god_n have_v inrail_v their_o authority_n with_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v agree_v with_o calvin_n who_o have_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o effraenem_fw-la licentiam_fw-la such_o a_o unbridled_a liberty_n sed_fw-la cancellos_fw-la circundedit_fw-la in_o cor._n 14._o ult_n case_n vii_o what_o then_o do_v render_v thing_n indifferent_a fit_n to_o be_v impose_v resol_n indifferent_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v particular_o but_o leave_v undecided_a in_o scripture_n yet_o must_v they_o be_v reducible_a to_o and_o agreeable_a with_o some_o general_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o imposition_n of_o they_o fit_a or_o warrantable_a this_o resolution_n become_v christianity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v inimicous_a to_o christian_a discipline_n it_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o high_a conformity_n which_o afford_v its_o liberty_n still_o to_o challenge_v great_a consideration_n in_o all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a clapham_n a_o earnest_n and_o learned_a opposer_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v thus_o state_v it_o such_o thing_n say_v 9_o chronol_n discourse_v of_o the_o church_n cap._n 9_o he_o we_o say_v to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v thereof_o we_o have_v no_o express_a word_n of_o god_n in_o particular_a only_o by_o some_o general_a rule_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o use_v our_o christian_a reason_n francis_n mason_n 9_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 8._o 9_o also_o allow_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n must_v be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o general_a canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o word_n i_o never_o read_v a_o denial_n of_o it_o case_n viii_o what_o be_v those_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o liâ—it_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a resol_n polanus_n give_v we_o a_o brief_a 70._o syntag._n tom._n 2._o p._n 70._o and_o sound_a though_o a_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o general_a equity_n which_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o action_n the_o aquinas_n lex_fw-la respicit_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la common_a aquinas_n good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la gloriam_fw-la &_o proximi_fw-la salutem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la or_o the_o common_a good_a as_o rogers_n shorten_v it_o marlorate_a do_v more_o ult_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o ult_n full_o explicate_v himself_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o tradition_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reason_n edification_n the_o example_n of_o church_n decency_n and_o order_n and_o he_o add_v with_o which_o same_o argument_n we_o â—â—ght_n to_o examine_v our_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v some_o more_o special_a rule_n as_o we_o easy_o find_v they_o in_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o catholic_a rule_n of_o expediency_n all_o thing_n say_v 12_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 12_o the_o apostle_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a some_o lawful_a thing_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o expedient_a thing_n not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o thing_n not_o expedient_a to_o be_v command_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v thus_o there_o fall_v before_o we_o a_o double_a lawfulness_n a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o
some_z necessary_a &_o seasonable_a case_n of_o conscience_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n brief_o yet_o faithful_o state_v and_o resolve_v wherein_o the_o the_o just_a bound_n of_o impose_v on_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o obey_v on_o the_o other_o be_v true_o fix_v by_o a_o indifferent_a hand_n rom._n 14._o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o bernard_n pacem_fw-la contemnentes_fw-la &_o gloriam_fw-la quaerentes_fw-la pacem_fw-la perdunt_fw-la &_o gloriam_fw-la london_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o the_o first_o shop_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1661._o a_o the_o preface_n sad_a experience_n in_o every_o age_n especial_o in_o we_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o interest_v wit_n of_o man_n on_o every_o side_n have_v find_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v for_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o against_o another_o have_v widen_v difference_n to_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n may_v even_o despair_v of_o a_o perfect_a closure_n indeed_o the_o wisdom_n from_o above_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o self-denial_n and_o brotherly_a love_n can_v only_o do_v it_o yet_o methinks_v where_o there_o be_v two_o great_a body_n divide_v and_o engage_v in_o a_o church_n or_o kingdom_n even_o moral_a wisdom_n shall_v foresee_v the_o evil_a and_o make_v timely_a application_n of_o prevent_a remedy_n for_o which_o there_o seem_v but_o three_o way_n open_a to_o we_o conversion_n or_o subversion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o party_n or_o a_o concession_n of_o both_o the_o first_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v the_o second_o be_v not_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o how_o happy_a be_v england_n if_o the_o last_o be_v obtain_v but_o yet_o i_o humble_o crave_v leave_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o cause_n &_o party_n which_o the_o law_n ow_v and_o that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o neither_o do_v i_o ask_v such_o a_o concession_n from_o the_o present_a law_n as_o will_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v both_o these_o party_n as_o they_o be_v party_n only_o this_o i_o apprehend_v as_o a_o thing_n desirable_a that_o the_o way_n may_v be_v make_v so_o fair_a or_o at_o least_o consider_v the_o temptation_n passable_a that_o the_o dissent_v party_n may_v come_v over_o to_o the_o other_o and_o remain_v no_o long_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o it_o so_o that_o the_o person_n that_o uphold_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o illegal_a party_n or_o at_o least_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o for_o some_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a may_v be_v preserve_v though_o the_o party_n be_v lose_v and_o upon_o a_o fair_a compliance_n and_o as_o it_o be_v add_v or_o adjoin_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n may_v be_v unite_v and_o embody_v with_o it_o and_o have_v the_o same_o protection_n and_o kindness_n of_o the_o law_n if_o one_o of_o the_o party_n shall_v be_v content_v thus_o to_o sacrifice_v itself_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v pity_n but_o that_o the_o survive_a party_n that_o enjoy_v the_o inheritance_n shall_v cover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o its_o sepeliendam_fw-la judaicam_fw-la synagogam_fw-la cum_fw-la honore_fw-la fuisse_fw-la sepeliendam_fw-la brother_n decease_v and_o as_o st_n augustine_n speak_v of_o the_o jewish_a church_n allow_v he_o a_o handsome_a and_o honourable_a burial_n herein_o i_o humble_o conceive_v consist_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o also_o i_o have_v make_v my_o design_n and_o labour_n in_o this_o small_a treatise_n by_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o imposition_n as_o low_a and_o narrow_a and_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n as_o high_a and_o large_a as_o the_o scripture_n the_o measure_n of_o both_o will_v allow_v i_o and_o it_o be_v happy_a that_o our_o interest_n be_v also_o our_o duty_n for_o if_o on_o the_o one_o side_n nothing_o be_v require_v but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o â—ts_n due_a latitude_n and_o on_o the_o other_o nothing_o be_v refuse_v that_o be_v not_o unlawful_a according_a to_o scripture_n doubtless_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o unknown_a unto_o we_o i_o do_v much_o revere_n that_o grave_a say_n of_o seneca_n non_fw-la expedit_fw-la concutere_fw-la felicem_fw-la statum_n it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o shake_v a_o happy_a state_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o line_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v all_o lead_v to_o use_v the_o best_a of_o our_o counsel_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o state_n and_o make_v it_o happy_a the_o sentence_n of_o st_n augustine_n be_v also_o weighty_a ipsa_fw-la mutatio_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la etiam_fw-la quae_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la utilitate_fw-la novitate_fw-la perturbat_fw-la the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n may_v sometime_o spoil_v any_o other_o good_a that_o may_v accrue_v by_o it_o even_o by_o its_o novelty_n but_o i_o think_v none_o will_v affirm_v the_o rule_n to_o be_v universal_a and_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o custom_n and_o to_o all_o season_n and_o exigent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o that_o be_v acknowledge_v what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o some_o small_a alteration_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o some_o yea_o many_o brethren_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o quietness_n be_v equal_o consider_v and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n be_v make_v and_o not_o before_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v much_o of_o wisdom_n much_o of_o peace_n in_o that_o notable_a adage_n malum_fw-la bene_fw-la positum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la movendum_fw-la a_o evil_a that_o be_v only_o so_o because_o inconvenient_a be_v place_v well_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v lest_o by_o pluck_v out_o a_o rusty_a nail_n the_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v about_o your_o ear_n yet_o its_o possible_a a_o malum_fw-la a_o little_a inconvenience_n ill_o place_v may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n as_o the_o small_a error_n in_o a_o curious_a watch_n may_v happen_v to_o check_v the_o whole_a motion_n yet_o i_o be_o absolute_o averse_a from_o that_o ancient_a petition_n tolle_o legem_fw-la &_o fiet_fw-la certamen_fw-la take_v away_o the_o law_n and_o we_o will_v dispute_v that_o be_v indeed_o to_o begin_v in_o confusion_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o end_v in_o devour_v and_o consume_v one_o another_o but_o i_o humble_o offer_v whether_o something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o law_n may_v not_o be_v abate_v or_o some_o small_a matter_n un-injoined_n not_o that_o we_o may_v fight_v but_o that_o we_o mâ—ght_v agree_v and_o rejoice_v together_o as_o the_o son_n of_o peace_n in_o zion_n prosperity_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o two_o distinct_a body_n and_o party_n in_o the_o church_n but_o thus_o unite_v and_o of_o two_o make_v one_o that_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o prince_n and_o law_n one_o and_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a government_n profess_v one_o and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o liturgy_n we_o may_v all_o as_o one_o man_n joint_o prosecute_v one_o and_o the_o same_o glorious_a end_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o supreme_a authority_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o alteration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o law_n or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v desire_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o i_o humble_o crave_v leave_v to_o offer_v my_o advice_n to_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o that_o as_o they_o fear_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v any_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o this_o poor_a people_n and_o as_o they_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o call_v and_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n the_o safety_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n that_o they_o will_v instant_o see_v their_o contest_v and_o heat_n of_o altercation_n may_v soon_o inflame_v the_o nation_n then_o alter_v the_o law_n when_o once_o establish_v that_o they_o will_v instant_o throw_v away_o their_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o variance_n their_o evil_a surmising_n and_o animosity_n their_o evil_a speak_n and_o reproach_v one_o another_o and_o fall_v hearty_o to_o their_o great_a business_n the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n abound_v therein_o with_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o amid_o their_o people_n that_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v with_o they_o and_o bless_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o common_a salvation_n for_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v to_o their_o eternal_a obloquy_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v
destroy_v by_o the_o builder_n or_o die_v of_o the_o doctor_n my_o dear_a brethren_n let_v i_o breathe_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o st_n augustine_n word_n ut_fw-la moneor_fw-la ut_fw-la doleo_fw-la ut_fw-la timeo_fw-la procederem_fw-la ad_fw-la pedes_fw-la vestros_fw-la flerem_fw-la quantum_fw-la valerem_fw-la rogarem_fw-la quantum_fw-la amarem_fw-la nunc_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la pro_fw-la seipso_fw-la nunc_fw-la utrumque_fw-la pro_fw-la altero_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la aliis_fw-la &_o maximè_fw-la infirmis_fw-la pro_fw-la quibus_fw-la christus_fw-la mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la vos_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o theatro_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la huius_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la svi_fw-la periculo_fw-la spectant_fw-la ne_fw-fr de_fw-fr vobis_fw-la ea_fw-la conscribendo_fw-la spargatis_fw-la quae_fw-la quandoque_fw-la concordantes_fw-la delere_fw-la non_fw-la poteritis_fw-la qui_fw-la nunc_fw-la concordare_fw-la nolitis_fw-la 2._o to_o my_o dissent_v brethren_n my_o humble_a and_o solemn_a request_n be_v that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v like_a to_o be_v thus_o they_o will_v in_o season_n think_v it_o adviseable_a serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v to_o study_v that_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v enjoin_v with_o all_o severity_n and_o impartiality_n as_o they_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v with_o knowledge_n and_o comfort_n the_o great_a case_n will_v be_v upon_o what_o ground_n you_o may_v warrantable_o lay_v down_o your_o ministry_n and_o upon_o what_o not_o or_o how_o far_o you_o may_v lawful_o obey_v the_o imposition_n of_o authority_n for_o your_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n herein_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o after_o the_o scripture_n bucer_n calvin_n melancthon_n zanchy_a polanus_fw-la beza_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o undoubted_a credit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v confer_v with_o as_o also_o st_n augustine_n his_o 118_o 119._o epist_n ad_fw-la janu._n if_o this_o poor_a piece_n shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o your_o perusal_n i_o beseech_v you_o remember_v that_o by_o two_o error_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o weigh_v thing_n amiss_o 1._o when_o we_o take_v up_o the_o scale_n &_o weigh_v over-hasty_o 2._o when_o one_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n be_v heavy_a than_o the_o other_o perhaps_o by_o prejudice_n or_o something_o else_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o do_v the_o book_n no_o wrong_n do_v the_o church_n no_o wrong_n do_v yourselves_o no_o wrong_n for_o your_o own_o preservation_n your_o people_n edification_n the_o church_n peace_n prosperity_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o averse_a to_o any_o just_a satisfaction_n let_v no_o society_n no_o condition_n no_o temptation_n with_o error_n and_o suffering_n be_v more_o dear_a and_o pleasant_a with_o you_o then_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o discharge_n of_o your_o trust_n the_o fulfil_n of_o your_o ministry_n with_o duty_n and_o liberty_n truth_n and_o felicity_n farewell_n twenty_o four_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a case_n of_o conscience_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n case_n i._n what_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a resol_n thing_n indifferent_a have_v their_o place_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o thing_n necessary_a and_o thing_n sinful_a thing_n that_o aught_o and_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o as_o to_o their_o simple_a and_o common_a nature_n i._n e._n consider_v naked_o without_o respect_n to_o such_o circumstance_n as_o change_v their_o property_n and_o denominale_fw-la they_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v without_o sin_n they_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a not_o a_o mix_v nature_n not_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v abnegationis_fw-la medium_fw-la abnegationis_fw-la a_o contradiction_n not_o partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a then_o the_o good_a can_v never_o expiate_v the_o bad_a for_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evil_n render_v the_o action_n evil_a but_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v moral_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a so_o they_o be_v not_o make_v such_o by_o scripture_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v yet_o very_o apt_a by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n to_o tend_v unto_o to_o swerve_v towards_o to_o become_v or_o appear_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n case_n ii_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n resol_n for_o our_o clear_a satisfaction_n herein_o let_v we_o consider_v action_n and_o circumstance_n 1._o touch_v action_n i_o assert_v first_o that_o no_o one_o action_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o indifferent_a but_o that_o by_o its_o circumstance_n it_o easy_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n 2._o no_o action_n that_o be_v deliberate_a and_o have_v a_o order_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n distinguish_v from_o action_n of_o fancy_n usual_o so_o call_v which_o be_v unobserved_a by_o the_o agent_n individual_o consider_v and_o as_o perform_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v true_o indifferent_a but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o circumstance_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n 3._o no_o action_n consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n can_v possible_o be_v indifferent_a for_o either_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o necessary_a or_o invent_v by_o man_n and_o superstitious_a 4._o yet_o four_o there_o be_v divers_a action_n that_o be_v no_o part_n but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n though_o action_n in_o themselves_o before_o they_o be_v exert_v and_o clothe_v with_o their_o circumstance_n that_o be_v proper_o indifferent_a both_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o scripture_n neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o as_o to_o our_o use_n neither_o necessary_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o last_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o action_n that_o may_v as_o lawful_o serve_v in_o the_o same_o stead_n of_o neither_o more_o or_o less_o necessity_n as_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o lift_v up_o or_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n in_o lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o our_o hand_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o much_o for_o action_n 2._o as_o for_o circumstance_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o doubt_v i_o think_v by_o any_o but_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n time_n place_n habit_n that_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a i_o mean_v before_o they_o be_v determine_v and_o in_o a_o general_a consideration_n abstract_v from_o conveniency_n and_o not_o complicate_v with_o other_o accident_n that_o may_v vary_v the_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o burden_v this_o unexceptionable_a point_n with_o needless_a authority_n which_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o not_o needless_a i_o shall_v only_o instance_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o under_o one_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n viz._n the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n calvin_n so_o 43._o calv._n iâ—sti_fw-la lib_n 1._o sect._n 43._o much_o say_v he_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n viz._n whether_o the_o faithful_a receive_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o divide_v it_o or_o every_o one_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v give_v he_o whether_o they_o put_v the_o cup_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n or_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o next_o whether_o the_o bread_n be_v leaven_v or_o unleavened_a whether_o the_o wine_n be_v red_a or_o white_a it_o make_v no_o matter_n these_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o he_o and_o we_o may_v add_v almost_o so_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n about_o every_o other_o ordinance_n if_o occasion_n require_v case_n iii_o whether_o may_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v impose_v and_o require_v by_o authority_n resol_n doubtless_o they_o may_v for_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o particular_o teach_v we_o what_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v that_o be_v require_v yet_o the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o require_v but_o to_o take_v care_n and_o see_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n example_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 2._o then_o plain_a reason_n demonstrate_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o ruler_n to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n they_o must_v also_o by_o their_o own_o discretion_n or_o advice_n with_o other_o judge_n and_o prescribe_v what_o be_v such_o 3._o the_o great_a apostle_n therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o not_o only_o to_o press_v the_o general_a command_n of_o decency_n 10._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o &_o 11._o 4._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o order_n but_o to_o reprove_v particular_a disorder_n and_o to_o direct_v unto_o and_o command_v particular_a part_n of_o order_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o yea_o that_o famous_a synod_n and_o true_o apostolical_a in_o act_n 15._o do_v by_o their_o
ought_v to_o be_v regard_v both_o by_o the_o govern_n and_o govern_v part_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o father_n 7._o the_o last_o rule_n be_v gospel_n liberty_n this_o must_v not_o be_v invade_v by_o any_o imposition_n though_o it_o must_v not_o be_v mistake_v gospel_n liberry_n can_v hardly_o be_v infringe_v if_o these_o rule_n be_v heed_v in_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 1._o that_o nothing_o indifferent_a be_v impose_v that_o any_o way_n check_v with_o the_o former_a rule_n of_o expediency_n peace_n offence_n of_o the_o weak_a edification_n decency_n order_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o impose_v as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o necessary_a which_o divine_v assert_v to_o be_v superstition_n 3._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o require_v with_o equal_a severity_n as_o thing_n necessary_a 4._o that_o such_o thing_n when_o impose_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o imposer_n to_o be_v mutable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v alter_v upon_o just_a occasion_n 5._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o impose_v in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n as_o be_v real_o burdensome_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v much_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n concern_v the_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n of_o idle_a and_o vain_a nature_n say_v bishop_n apol._n in_o apol._n jewel_n we_o know_v that_o st_n augustine_n do_v much_o complain_v of_o they_o in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o they_o because_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v troublesome_a to_o good_a conscience_n and_o burdensome_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o retain_v and_o have_v like_v not_o only_o of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o some_o other_o too_o beside_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v suffer_v without_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o we_o affect_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o congregation_n may_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v do_v with_o comeliness_n and_o good_a order_n but_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o perceive_v to_o lean_v to_o superstition_n or_o to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o bald_a or_o toyish_a or_o against_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o else_o unmeet_a for_o sober_a and_o wise_a people_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o confuse_a chaos_n in_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n all_o these_o we_o have_v utter_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o because_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n confound_v and_o cumber_v with_o such_o folly_n thus_o that_o most_o excellent_a man._n the_o sum_n of_o who_o word_n here_o recite_v do_v in_o effect_n contain_v and_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v expedient_a decent_a and_o orderly_a not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n not_o troublesome_a to_o good_a conscience_n not_o burdensome_a and_o he_o add_v that_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o first_o reformation_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o say_a rule_n let_v i_o conclude_v with_o a_o humble_a petition_n that_o i_o be_v not_o misinterpret_v to_o prescribe_v to_o authority_n in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o have_v only_o mark_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o scripture_n leave_v particular_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o superior_n to_o who_o i_o only_o take_v boldness_n to_o offer_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o these_o rule_n &_o settle_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o peace_n and_o order_n with_o all_o comeliness_n and_o expediency_n case_n ix_o how_o be_v private_a person_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o such_o imposition_n of_o authority_n in_o religious_a exercise_n resol_n we_o have_v hitherto_o rather_o labour_v to_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o impose_v and_o the_o due_a extent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a endeavour_v also_o to_o draw_v that_o as_o narrow_a and_o straight_o and_o as_o much_o to_o rule_v as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o hope_v without_o just_a offence_n to_o the_o same_o we_o be_v now_o descend_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v under_o command_n where_o that_o i_o may_v appear_v impartial_a and_o for_o peace_n indeed_o i_o must_v be_v consonant_a to_o my_o design_n and_o labour_n to_o disentangle_a and_o enlarge_v the_o conscience_n of_o private_a person_n with_o as_o much_o freedom_n towards_o conformity_n as_o lawful_o i_o may_v that_o have_v bring_v the_o injunction_n as_o low_a and_o narrow_a and_o the_o obedience_n as_o high_a and_o large_a as_o we_o may_v the_o commander_n and_o the_o command_v may_v be_v happy_o find_v near_o together_o and_o in_o sweet_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o charity_n sure_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v at_o this_o harmless_a project_n but_o will_v be_v ready_a with_o a_o pardon_n though_o i_o fail_v of_o success_n or_o too_o imprudent_o manage_v the_o attempt_n especial_o while_o my_o aim_n be_v level_v at_o so_o desirable_a a_o end_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o common_a good_a and_o use_v no_o other_o engine_n to_o draw_v down_o the_o one_o and_o raise_v the_o other_o but_o that_o from_o heaven_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o case_n in_o general_n which_o be_v this_o how_o be_v private_a person_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o religious_a exercise_n i_o shall_v now_o the_o lord_n assist_v i_o betake_v myself_o with_o all_o conscience_n and_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v break_v it_o into_o several_a particular_a case_n according_a as_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a injunction_n may_v be_v distinguish_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a injunction_n or_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v or_o command_v may_v be_v proceed_v upon_o by_o a_o gradation_n or_o descent_n of_o five_o step_n for_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v be_v either_o necessary_a expedient_a pure_o indifferent_a inexpedient_a or_o unlawful_a according_o there_o may_v be_v offer_v five_o case_n viz._n what_o a_o private_a person_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o thing_n necessary_a or_o thing_n expedient_a or_o thing_n pure_o indifferent_a or_o thing_n inexpedient_a or_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v require_v by_o authority_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o we_o address_v our_o self_n to_o apply_v a_o several_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n case_n x._o what_o ought_v a_o private_a christian_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n necessary_a in_o themselves_o be_v require_v by_o authority_n resol_n both_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n we_o treat_v proper_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o also_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o need_v not_o be_v put_v to_o the_o question_n for_o though_o some_o have_v think_v they_o have_v see_v reason_n enough_o not_o so_o far_o to_o countenance_v a_o usurpation_n as_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n when_o command_v thereunto_o by_o unlawful_a power_n from_o the_o liberty_n of_o that_o trite_a rule_n affirmative_a precept_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n in_o any_o not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v because_o his_o vicegerent_n lawful_a authority_n require_v it_o also_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n worship_n optatus_n reckon_v it_o a_o madness_n in_o donatus_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o quid_fw-la imperatori_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la what_o have_v the_o king_n to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n but_o optatus_n wise_o answer_v the_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n be_v the_o gospel_n take_v ult_n non_fw-la tollit_fw-la praecepta_fw-la naturae_fw-la &_o legis_fw-la sed_fw-la perficit_fw-la rom._n 3._o ult_n not_o away_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o establish_v and_o perfect_v they_o and_o rather_o enlarge_v and_o confirm_v than_o any_o way_n weaken_v obedience_n to_o authority_n therefore_o be_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n that_o under_o their_o pious_a and_o religious_a governance_n we_o may_v not_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o honest_o only_a but_o in_o godliness_n in_o all_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o st_o augustine_n upon_o those_o 51._o contra_fw-la crescon_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 51._o word_n in_o the_o second_o psalm_n say_v king_n not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v king_n serve_v the_o lord_n if_o in_o their_o kingdom_n they_o command_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prohibit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a not_o
of_o most_o rank_n and_o age_n if_o need_v require_v be_v so_o express_v res_fw-la alioqui_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la medioe_v etc._n etc._n thing_n of_o middle_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n do_v after_o a_o certain_a manner_n change_v their_o nature_n when_o by_o lawful_a authority_n they_o be_v either_o command_v or_o forbid_v because_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o omit_v against_o the_o precept_n when_o it_o be_v command_v or_o to_o act_v against_o the_o prohibition_n when_o it_o be_v forbid_v thus_o beza_n a_o undoubted_a testimony_n in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o need_v no_o more_o see_v the_o thing_n have_v be_v grant_v long_o ago_o by_o a_o numerous_a body_n of_o nonconformist_n 2l_o their_o reply_n to_o mr._n powel_n p._n 2l_o in_o thing_n say_v they_o true_o indifferent_a it_o be_v always_o justify_v and_o shall_v be_v far_o justify_v if_o need_v require_v that_o we_o attribute_v no_o less_o to_o the_o magistrate_n then_o oâ—r_v adversary_n mean_v the_o conformist_n do_v case_n xiii_o what_o be_v private_a christian_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n inexpedient_a be_v require_v of_o they_o resol_n in_o the_o four_o place_n thing_n enjoin_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inexpedient_a when_o they_o be_v proper_o unlawful_a here_o we_o have_v also_o assert_v there_o be_v a_o far_a abuse_n of_o authority_n that_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o thing_n expedient_a but_o admit_v such_o a_o unwarrantable_a exerting_fw-mi of_o power_n in_o require_v thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a but_o inexpedient_a we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o a_o private_a conscience_n may_v preserve_v it_o self_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o whether_o it_o shall_v obey_v such_o injunction_n or_o not_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o burden_n but_o how_o to_o remove_v it_o hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n seem_v to_o call_v we_o to_o another_o point_n of_o weighty_a moment_n viz._n who_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n of_o expediency_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n there_o be_v but_o two_o that_o can_v bid_v for_o it_o the_o public_a prudence_n of_o lawful_a authority_n or_o our_o own_o private_a discretion_n in_o thing_n necessary_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o thing_n expedient_a prudence_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o private_a or_o public_a that_o be_v pardon_v my_o plainness_n where_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n to_o man_n whether_o the_o people_n or_o the_o governor_n shall_v rule_v or_o if_o you_o have_v rather_o whether_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o obey_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o where_o god_n himself_o interpose_v not_o to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o all_o i_o know_v will_v acknowledge_v that_o when_o st_n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o tumultuary_a for_o the_o people_n to_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n seem_v strange_a to_o we_o and_o inexpedient_a and_o the_o like_a censure_n will_v have_v pass_v upon_o those_o act._n 15._o have_v they_o return_v the_o like_a remora_fw-la to_o the_o synodical_a sentence_n forgive_v i_o the_o wrong_n dear_a reader_n if_o i_o remember_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o may_v far_o challenge_v a_o sober_a debate_n whether_o the_o axâ—_n be_v not_o thus_o lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o polity_n and_o government_n in_o the_o world_n if_o once_o we_o grant_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o orderly_a to_o private_a person_n and_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o every_o one_o practice_n i_o must_v beg_v leave_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v with_o plato_n nullun_n sensus_fw-la privatus_fw-la rerum_fw-la mensura_fw-la est_fw-la i_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o god_n but_o public_a authority_n only_o what_o be_v expedient_a and_o i_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o advise_v before_o we_o either_o give_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n viz._n necessary_a thing_n to_o caesar_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n that_o be_v thing_n expedient_a to_o the_o people_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o people_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n the_o guide_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o one_o action_n viz._n to_o discern_v what_o god_n say_v in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o what_o humane_a authority_n say_v in_o thing_n expedient_a and_o to_o obey_v both_o but_o for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v expedient_a i_o fear_v be_v folly_n and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n where_o god_n command_v and_o man_n forbid_v or_o where_o god_n forbid_v and_o man_n command_v we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o supremacy_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o where_o god_n be_v silent_a and_o man_n command_v obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n be_v far_o better_a have_v more_o of_o religion_n and_o order_n in_o it_o then_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o net_n of_o our_o private_a reason_n for_o thing_n more_o expedient_a jesus_n christ_n have_v fix_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n all_o the_o essential_o of_o his_o father_n worship_n leave_v the_o circumstance_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n as_o thing_n too_o small_a to_o engage_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o this_o regard_n in_o that_o common_a say_n non_fw-la vacat_fw-la exiguis_fw-la rebus_fw-la etc._n etc._n hereupon_o calvin_n conclude_v haec_fw-la indifferentia_fw-la 43._o inst_z it_z lib._n 4_o 7_o 43._o sunt_fw-la &_o in_o ecclesiae_fw-la libertate_fw-la posita_fw-la indifferent_a thing_n thing_n not_o decide_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o every_o member_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o be_v not_o calvin_n meaning_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o people_n and_o give_v they_o particular_a order_n himself_o than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n consult_v agit_fw-fr qui_fw-la praecepto_fw-la legis_fw-la obtemperat_fw-la say_v the_o civilian_n and_o no_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v not_o sin_n it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o to_o practice_v too_o leges_fw-la hominum_fw-la non_fw-la homines_fw-la legum_fw-la dominos_fw-la esse_fw-la oportet_fw-la it_o be_v fit_a that_o law_n shall_v govern_v man_n than_o that_o man_n private_a man_n every_o private_a man_n shall_v govern_v the_o law_n still_o i_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n for_o than_o we_o be_v pre-obliged_n by_o a_o high_a law_n which_o supersede_v the_o low_a and_o not_o we_o but_o god_n contradict_v such_o law_n of_o man_n as_o be_v against_o his_o own_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v leave_v to_o man_n and_o they_o command_v we_o for_o we_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o object_v inconvenience_n and_o inexpedience_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n savour_v but_o little_a of_o either_o judgement_n or_o discretion_n but_o that_o i_o may_v offer_v all_o fair_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o great_a scruple_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o admit_v the_o private_a conscience_n into_o the_o chair_n and_o then_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o case_n whether_o any_o thing_n that_o in_o our_o private_a judgement_n be_v unfit_a and_o inconvenient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v warrantable_o practise_v by_o we_o when_o command_v thereunto_o by_o authority_n resol_n i_o will_v be_v very_o far_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o wind_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o plain_a reader_n into_o any_o needless_a intricacy_n in_o this_o practical_a case_n yet_o i_o must_v presume_v a_o little_a upon_o he_o to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o answer_n hereunto_o by_o a_o few_o plain_a distinction_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fitness_n or_o expedience_n with_o respect_n to_o governor_n or_o private_a person_n their_o command_n or_o our_o obedience_n whence_o arise_v two_o great_a case_n that_o must_v be_v distinguish_v and_o not_o confound_v 1._o what_o be_v fit_a for_o authority_n to_o require_v 2._o what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o do_v no_o question_n our_o ruler_n may_v possible_o require_v that_o which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v require_v and_o consequent_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o require_v and_o such_o their_o imposition_n
3._o if_o not_o to_o ourselves_o to_o other_o that_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o our_o obedience_n case_n i._n what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v when_o thing_n of_o themselves_o and_o material_o evil_a be_v command_v by_o authority_n resol_n st_o augustine_n deliver_v much_o in_o those_o few_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n that_o be_v not_o just_a st_n bernard_n give_v we_o a_o smart_a explication_n and_o account_n of_o it_o what_o man_n command_v in_o such_o a_o case_n god_n forbid_v and_o so_o repeal_v and_o nul_v it_o or_o rather_o by_o a_o pre-declaring_a his_o will_n against_o it_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n it_o be_v void_a of_o itself_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la hereupon_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v home_o to_o our_o present_a case_n in_o the_o other_o word_n of_o bernard_n pura_fw-la 7._o ber._n ep._n 7._o mala_fw-la ut_fw-la nunquam_fw-la just_a juberi_fw-la sic_fw-la nec_fw-la licite_fw-la possunt_fw-la feri_fw-la thing_n of_o themselves_o and_o material_o evil_a as_o they_o can_v be_v just_o command_v so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o do_v shall_v we_o be_v deaf_a to_o god_n as_o bernard_n reason_n and_o hear_v man_n or_o with_o the_o apostle_n shall_v we_o hearken_v to_o man_n rather_o than_o god_n we_o must_v not_o obey_v a_o constable_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o king_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n as_o well_o as_o subject_n and_o the_o king_n of_o subject_n as_o well_o as_o king_n who_o sovereign_a authority_n both_o king_n and_o subject_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v lest_o he_o vindicate_v it_o with_o his_o power_n case_n ii_o what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v when_o such_o thing_n '_o be_v require_a as_o if_o not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o resol_n it_o be_v past_a denial_n that_o as_o some_o thing_n may_v seem_v lawful_a to_o one_o that_o seem_v sinful_a to_o another_o so_o some_o thing_n may_v seem_v either_o lawful_a when_o they_o be_v sinful_a or_o sinful_a when_o they_o be_v lawful_a to_o person_n misinform_v therefore_o where_o a_o thing_n seem_v lawful_a to_o our_o ruler_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v impose_v and_o yet_o we_o judge_v it_o sinful_a and_o not_o to_o be_v perform_v the_o advice_n i_o shall_v tender_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v first_o be_v not_o over-confident_a of_o the_o certainty_n of_o thy_o own_o opinion_n consider_v other_o especial_o man_n in_o authority_n that_o with_o advice_n and_o assistance_n which_o private_a person_n can_v obtain_v have_v judge_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o fit_a to_o be_v impose_v and_o practise_v and_o perhaps_o if_o thou_o have_v use_v any_o due_a diligence_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n herein_o thou_o have_v see_v reason_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a in_o thy_o censure_n then_o former_o 2._o therefore_o with_o self-diffidence_n search_v far_o search_v impartial_o read_v on_o both_o side_n if_o any_o thing_n bias_n thou_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o mistrust_n of_o thy_o self_n thy_o esteem_v of_o other_o thy_o inclination_n to_o peace_n thy_o love_n of_o the_o church_n thy_o obedience_n to_o superior_n ever_o remember_v that_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n make_v snare_n sometime_o and_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n set_v the_o church_n on_o fire_n 3._o when_o thou_o have_v thorough_o search_v the_o matter_n must_v needs_o appear_v unto_o thou_o either_o lawful_a or_o doubtful_a or_o sinful_a still_o 1._o if_o god_n shall_v bless_v thy_o endeavour_n with_o conviction_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o see_v thy_o own_o error_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o which_o before_o thou_o condemn_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o doubt_n be_v remove_v and_o consequent_o obedience_n be_v just_o expect_v from_o thou_o 2._o if_o thy_o labour_n for_o satisfaction_n have_v only_o bring_v thou_o into_o some_o far_a suspicion_n of_o thy_o opinion_n so_o that_o now_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v direct_o sinful_a which_o be_v require_v but_o of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n so_o that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o doubt_n whether_o thou_o may_v obey_v or_o not_o i_o commend_v thou_o for_o thy_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o that_o excellent_a casuist_n the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o lincoln_n his_o lecture_n p._n 216._o &_o 217._o he_o conclude_v if_o because_o of_o some_o probable_a reason_n appear_v on_o both_o side_n the_o subject_n can_v easy_o determine_v with_o himself_o whether_o the_o law_n be_v right_a or_o not_o insomuch_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v in_o a_o great_a incertainty_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o incline_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o this_o case_n actual_o to_o obey_v it_o so_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o obey_v it_o not_o and_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o he_o obey_v for_o which_o he_o give_v several_a reason_n in_o general_n the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o whereof_o a_o man_n doubt_n hold_v the_o beam_n as_o it_o be_v even_o there_o be_v equal_a weight_n in_o each_o scale_n so_o we_o say_v a_o man_n doubt_v be_v one_o in_o bivio_fw-la in_fw-la aequilibrio_fw-la but_o if_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n be_v throw_v into_o the_o scale_n it_o must_v needs_o turn_v it_o if_o even_o before_o this_o may_v not_o draw_v i_o to_o think_v it_o more_o lawful_a but_o yet_o more_o necessary_a not_o more_o lawful_a with_o respect_n to_o god_n yet_o more_o lawful_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o and_o more_o practicable_a upon_o that_o know_a rule_n in_o re_fw-la dubia_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a part_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 3._o but_o if_o the_o thing_n require_v appear_v sinful_a to_o thou_o still_o thou_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n thou_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n god_n vicegerent_n within_o thou_o and_o thou_o may_v not_o obey_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a thy_o pain_n to_o search_v again_o thou_o can_z not_o suffer_v upon_o too_o sure_a ground_n and_o perchance_o yet_o thou_o may_v be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o god_n may_v at_o length_n reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o and_o that_o i_o may_v offer_v all_o my_o service_n both_o to_o thy_o conscience_n &_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n let_v i_o beseech_v you_o thorough_o to_o examine_v &_o satisfy_v yourself_o in_o these_o four_o case_n 1_o wherein_o real_a superstition_n or_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o lie_v 2_o whether_o such_o thing_n be_v still_o to_o be_v reckon_v superstitious_a as_o have_v be_v former_o use_v to_o superstition_n 3_o whether_o the_o significancy_n of_o thing_n impose_v render_v the_o thing_n superstitious_a or_o sinful_a 4_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a betray_v the_o christian_a liberty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o know_v nothing_o that_o make_v imposition_n of_o this_o kind_n seem_v sinful_a to_o any_o but_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n give_v i_o but_o a_o little_a liberty_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n brief_o upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o i_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n case_n i._n wherein_o do_v superstition_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o consist_v resol_n this_o case_n have_v visible_o two_o branch_n 1_o touch_v the_o reality_n 2_o the_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n 1_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o superstition_n all_o divine_n conclude_v that_o it_o stick_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n use_v or_o require_v but_o in_o the_o person_n that_o superstitious_o require_v or_o use_v they_o superstition_n therefore_o be_v right_o say_v by_o divine_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o that_o false_a doctrine_n or_o superstitious_a opinion_n that_o superstitious_a person_n have_v of_o they_o polanus_fw-la with_o many_o other_o of_o unquestionable_a credit_n in_o this_o particular_a have_v reduce_v those_o error_n that_o constitute_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n true_o and_o real_o superstitious_a to_o four_o head_n 1_o meriti_fw-la when_o we_o think_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o reward_v our_o invention_n and_o that_o by_o our_o purse_n or_o labour_n therein_o we_o purchase_v his_o favour_n this_o be_v superstition_n 2_o cultus_fw-la dei_fw-la when_o thing_n be_v require_v as_o part_n or_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o so_o use_v this_o be_v superstition_n 3_o perfectionis_fw-la when_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o true_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o thing_n of_o humane_a invention_n this_o be_v superstition_n 4._o necessitatis_fw-la when_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v as_o simple_o necessary_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o so_o use_v when_o they_o be_v but_o thing_n indifferent_a this_o be_v also_o superstition_n quest_n but_o when_o may_v a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o appear_v superstitious_a or_o to_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n for_o that_o also_o must_v be_v avoid_v answ_n we_o must_v